Customer Reviews

The Life (1997 Original Broadway Cast)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Many years ago, as a freshman in college in New York I had the privilege of seeing Cy Coleman's great musical "Sweet Charity" about 20 times. I couldn't stay away. And what a show with such a score!

It seemed strange to me that Coleman would return to the same theme many years later -- what could be done that he hadn't already done? But as "The Life" unfolded and one magnificent song after another -- with melodies the likes of which Broadway hadn't seen since the great era of the '60s -- each song topping the next, I was simply blown away. At the end of this amazing show -- and the book is as powerful as the music -- I felt as if I'd been run down by a freight train.

Indeed, I went back the very next night to make sure that what I thought I saw was real. It was. Over time, I suspect this show, which Newsweek called a masterpiece, will become a legend as great as that of "Porgy and Bess" (and one heck of a lot more fun to watch). If you missed "The Life," pray for a revival soon.

The assembly of extraordinary singers in this show is truly something. But what's even more extraordinary is that the show became even better than this album over time as the singers came to fully understand their songs.

Whew! A masterpiece. A true masterpiece. (And I've seen every important musical there is. I've never seen its equal.)

This CD is terrific. Not only is Cy Coleman's music, of course, fantastic, but the storyline and characters actually serve to make this CD more listenable. The story is so interesting and the music helps it along really well. The cast is unbelievable, especially Lilias White (Tony Winner), Pamela Isaacs (Tony Nominee), Sam Harris (Tony Nominee), and Chuck Cooper (Tony Winner). Check out "My Body," "I'm Leaving You," "The Oldest Profession", "Someday is for Suckers", and "My Friend". Good good good score. Buy it!

1997's Tony Award for Best Musical goes to ... "Titanic"?

Cy Coleman & Ira Gasman's terrific score for "The Life" is much stronger than that season's other productions: "Steel Pier" and the aforementioned "Titanic". Maybe the Book needed work. Fortunately, the show will be remembered for its outstanding performances by Tony-Winners Lillias White & Chuck Cooper along with Tony-Nominees Pamela Isaacs & Sam Harris.

Best tracks include:

The Oldest Profession
My Body
He's No Good
I'm Leaving You
"Someday" Is For Suckers
My Friend

Though not as strong as some of Mr. Coleman's other scores ("Sweet Charity", "City Of Angels", & "The Will Rogers Follies" come to mind), you'll be hooked after a couple of listens! Let's hope this show gets revived ... and soon!

A lovely CD. I saw the show on Broadway and wish some of the arrangements on the CD were as rich as they developed on stage, especially "Why Don't They Leave Us Alone" was much more powerful and fully worked out on stage. Still, this is worthwhile musical cast recording to own.

Ar Este Pi

This recording of the Broadway cast is great. It contains all the songs from the show and I never knew that there could ever be such a show produced, it has great characters, a great cast with strong powerful voices. This recording has really captured the show. Well worth buying.

"The Life' is one of the best musicals ever. I was lucky enough to see it on Broadway. Why it didn't go on the road, and still isn't on the road is beyond me. I waited for it to come to San Francisco so I could take my friends but it never came. It played 466 times on Broadway. The music and story is incredible. I listen to it again and again on CD. Buy it if you like musicals. Amen!

It's about hookers. Honestly, it is, really! But it's a fantastic take on things, and "My Body" stands out by far as one of the best songs on the album. If you can find the video from The Rosie O'Donnell Show of the girls singing this song, watch it. It's what got me hooked on it. Sam Harris never fails to impress either.

This is my favorite play and cast recording because it was my first Broadway play. I had no idea who anyone was in the play except Sam Harris and that is why I went. After going to the show, I purchased the CD and it is awesome. It is a must have for any Sam Harris fan or if you saw the show.

The show was amazing and the CD was also great! The lyrics are wonderful. Rush out and buy it today.

The Life plain RULES! Most of the singers rock, (except Queen) who is a little more operetic than this musical needs. The funk sounds of the early 80's give an authentic sounding feel to the story. The Jazz elements are sure to delight any Jazz/Funk fan. You will not be disappointed with Queen's best friend (in the show) who also appears in the Disney movie HERCULES as one of the MUSES. Check them both out. She is what this musical deserves the most accolade for.